Posted on June 26, 2020 by Jenny Cromack

Unfortunately for us, English weather isn’t, let’s say, the most predictable and that comes with not a huge amount of sunny days. It’s a little erratic at times so when we do get glorious weather many of us are out in that sun making the most of it! But what on earth has this got to do with fitness, health or even motive8?! Well it’s all to do with good old vitamin D; this blog is going to look at the importance of vitamin D and the risk associated with begin vitamin D deficient.

You may have heard phrases such as ‘soaking up the vitamin D’ or ‘the vitamin D is out’! More than 90% of our vitamin D requirements comes from exposure to sun light due to our skin having such a big capacity to produce it. Whilst we can get some vitamin D in our diet, the sun is probably one of the best ways to get vitamin D! Additionally, we’re relaxed we are having fun and the majority of the time we are socialising….all added bonuses for our mental wellbeing.

Unfortunately, in the good old UK we don’t often have much sun. But as humans we rely on the suns exposure to quench our vitamin D requirements due to the small amount of foods available that supply vitamin D (this includes the small amount of fortified foods available). Vitamin D deficiencies are becoming more common and most importantly taken for granted.

What Can Vitamin D Deficiencies Cause?

We need vitamin D to help the body absorb phosphate and calcium from our diet. Both of these minerals are essential for bone and muscle health.

  • Children who lack vitamin D can be prevented from reaching their genetically programmed height as well as peak bone mass.
  • Whereas for adults, bone mineral density can be reduced, which can be associated with osteoporosis in later life. This results in increased risks of fractures which can occur due to poor structural support.
  • Aching bones and bone tenderness is also common in adults who have low levels of vitamin D, this is known as osteomalacia.
  • Finally, it can cause muscle weakness in both adults and children.

So if you want to stay strong and healthy for life in general but also for training, it’s essential that you get enough vitamin D. You can get some vitamin D in your diet through oily fish, eggs and red meat but this needs to be supported by getting enough sunlight too.

Hopefully this blog shows the importance of vitamin D. If it doesn’t make you want to get outside and soak up the sun the next time we have a sunny day, then hopefully the risk factors may! Following a well-balanced diet can also aid vitamin D deficiency’s and taking precautions when out in the sun is extremely important. Ensure you are wearing sunscreen, you are well hydrated, have a hat on and shade is available.